Model tested: Mazda 2 1.4 Anteres
Price: £9.037
Insurance group: 4
Tested: October 2006
Road tester: Stuart Milne
Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 74%
With rave reviews for its cracking sportscars, it's easy to overlook the sensible cars in Mazda's range. The Ford Fusion-based Mazda 2 is the embodiment of practicality in a tiny package, perfect for round-town driving.
Can the tall, small supermini mix it with the current darlings of the urban grind?
1. Looks
It's unlikely to set the world alight, but the Mazda 2 has plenty of flair while still staying sober enough not to alienate the typical buyer. The new-for-2006 rear light clusters give a slight nod to the fancy coloured units on the RX-8 and MX-5. From the side, the 2 looks slightly awkward, but the high roofline is less noticeable from the front and rear. Like the Ford Fusion, with which it shares a number of parts, it's not the kind of car to sell on looks, but it's reasonably attractive nonetheless.
7/10
2. Looks inside
The substance-over-style theme continues inside, where everything is laid out sensibly, but lacks style. There was plenty of space around the cabin, and a huge amount of legroom in the back; even with a tall passenger in the front. It was the attention to detail which let the interior down: there was no rubber strips around the plastic cubbyholes, so there was a few rattles on worn roads. There was excellent visibility through the huge windows, which made driving in tight spaces a cinch.
7/10
3. Practicality
A reasonably big boot was paired with one of the lowest boot sills we've seen in a while and made loading bulky objects a doddle. The 267-litre boot can be expanded to 1,044 litres by dropping the seats, but it's frustrating they don't fold flat to create a single-level boot floor. There was a double glovebox which proved useful for separating frequently-used bits, such as sunglasses, from CD cases and boiled sweets. A large storage space on top of the dash came in very handy for keeping bits and bobs out of sight.
8/10
4. Ride and Handling
The Mazda 2 is one of the easiest to drive cars we've tested. There's plenty of all-round visibility, coupled with light steering so manoeuvring around town is easy. Despite its high sidedness, the Two cuts through corners more than rolling round them; although the comfort-over-handling demeanour means driving dynamics aren't as good as a Fiesta.
7/10
5. Performance
The 1.4-litre, 16-valve engine in our test car produced 80bhp and 91lb/ft of pulling power. This equates to a 15 second 0-60mph dash and a top speed of 102mph. We found it eager and nippy around town, and capable at motorway speeds.
7/10
6. Running Costs
With a claimed average fuel consumption of 53.3mpg, the Mazda 2 sips fuel. We managed more than 300 miles from its 45 litre fuel tank on our busy urban commute, which is in line with Mazda's claim of 33.6mpg. The 2 shares many parts with Ford, so parts shouldn't cost the earth, and the 1.4 version falls into Band B for road tax. Group 4 insurance is affordable for most motorists.
8/10
7. Reliability
Mazda are rated second best for the cost and frequency of breakdowns in the Reliability Index, and our test car - like every other Mazda we've driven - felt built to last. There are no major common problems afflicting the 2, so it should be a worry-free purchase.
8/10
8. Safety
The Mazda 2 scored a respectable four stars for adult occupant protection in the EuroNCAP crash tests, and three stars for child protection. The entire range gets anti-lock brakes, brake force distribution and emergency brake assist, as well as driver and passenger airbags. Strangely side or curtain airbags aren't available.
7/10
9. Equipment
Our Anteres test car is the second of a three car range, and is quite well appointed. We has air-con, electric front windows and mirrors, a four speaker CD/radio, adjustable steering wheel and a 60/40 folding rear seat. There is very little difference between the specifications of the three models, with alloy wheels on the top spec Capella model being the only really noticeable addition.
7/10
10. X-Factor
If you value an easy life behind the wheel, and getting to your destination without fuss, the Mazda 2 is a worthy vehicle. In our week of ownership, it proved itself as a practical tool which was capable of dealing with all the tasks which were put its way.
8/10
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